Planning a Retirement Party for Your Boss? What Gives? 11 Smart Tips to Help You Get it Right

Hey! Whether he's a good boss or a not so good one, you're planning a retirement party for him...

You wanna give him a memorable going-away party with fun, colors, full of entertaining moments, good food, songs and dances... and you want it to take place smoothly and send him off in style...

Tough?

Not really. I can give you 11 tips to help you get it right.

1. Have A Budget In Mind

You need to have a budget; if there's an allowance from your company, then so much the better. If not, then you'll need your colleagues to pitch in.

Nail down costs for the venue, food and drinks, entertainment, etc.

2. Consider Your Boss's Preferences

Does he prefer not to be singled out? Then something low-key and elegant might be the thing for him.

If he loves to be the center of attention, then he's the one for a roast.

3. Decide A Theme For The Party That Reflects Your Boss's Interest, Passion or Hobby

Could be Mardi Gras, costume, fancy dress, Hawaiian, sports......Get one theme that can really spark off starkly your boss's personality.

If you go for a theme, planning the meal will be easier as most themes have traditional food items.

4. Choose A Venue

Depends again on your boss's preferences.

A small or large affair?

An out-of-the-box or traditional celebration?

A quiet, low-key thing?

The venue could be a hotel, restaurant, yacht club, a historic mansion or a casino, or your boss's house?

5. Put Up Decorations

Create and decorate the venue against a backdrop that depicts your boss's life and accomplishments.

Put on display his awards, trophies and photos. Make table centerpieces, each one rivets on one of his interests: sports, yachting, golf, vintage cars, music, dancing, traveling...

Create a festive atmosphere - balloons, streamers and a nice array of colors would be fabs; plus add in a few special touches like vibrant background music, flowers and banners.

6. Sharing From Colleagues About Their Experiences With Your Boss

Ask your colleagues in advance to record on video something about their experiences with your boss.

Show the video clips, zooming in on those that are funny or inspirational.

Or you could invite your boss's spouse and children to share stories about him.

7. Include A Speech or A Toast

Ask if your boss would like to make a speech or give a toast. Ask in advance because your boss may not like it. Try not to put him on the spot by asking him there and then at the party.

8. Show Your Boss's Work

Create a short video using assorted clips from your boss's work and personal life. Set the video to appropriate music (your boss's favorite song would be the best bet) and play the video at the party.

9. Dance and Sing

Hire dancers to take your boss and guests to the dance floor and show some "moves". Dancing certainly add life to the celebration.

Singing too. Arrange for singing session. Get the best crooners (from amongst your colleagues) to croon some songs, especially your boss's favorite tunes.

10. Present A Gift

Most people enjoy receiving gifts. So your boss would be happy to get one too.

You could consider gifts like travel certificates, books, luggage or golf clubs.

11. Arrange Video Tapping or Photographing

Hire a videographer/photographer to record the party event and particularly to capture funny and heart-warming shots. Present the video/photos to your boss.

Due to her strong yearning to retire early in life, Cecelia Yap has been researching on the subject of retirement. She has found the most "viral" way to grow her retirement nest egg and you too can do what she does, at My Passion.